in Final International Conference of COST Action C25 - Sustainability of Constructions : Towards a better built environment: Innsbruck 3-5 February 2011 (2011, February)

This study presents the life cycle assessment (LCA) of two buildings similar in dimensions, orientations, climate and purpose but designed for Belgium using two different construction systems: traditional ... [more ▼]

This study presents the life cycle assessment (LCA) of two buildings similar in dimensions, orientations, climate and purpose but designed for Belgium using two different construction systems: traditional masonry made of concrete blocks, insulation and ceramic bricks and light gauge steel framing as the load carrying component. The comparison between the LCA focuses on the CO2 emission equivalent for each building’s life cycle. After a short sensitivity analysis, the results of the assessment are compared against each other and the conclusions are presented. [less ▲]

Leaves of Mangifera Indica (MI, mango leaves) and Manihot Utilissima (MU, cassava leaves) are available in tropical regions and are the most accessible vegetal wastes of Kinshasa, capital of Democratic ... [more ▼]

Leaves of Mangifera Indica (MI, mango leaves) and Manihot Utilissima (MU, cassava leaves) are available in tropical regions and are the most accessible vegetal wastes of Kinshasa, capital of Democratic Republic of Congo. These wastes are not suitably managed and are not rationally valorized. They are abandoned in full air, on the soil and in the rivers. They thus pollute environment. By contrast, they can be recuperated and treated in order to produce methane (energy source), organic fertilizer and clean up the environment simultaneously. The main objective of this study was to investigate methane production from MI and MU leaves by BMP tests at 30°C. The yields achieved from the anaerobic digestion of up to 61.3 g raw matter in 1 l medium were 0.001 l/g and 0.100 l CH4/g volatile solids of MI and MU leaves, respectively. The yield of MU leaves was in the range mentioned in the literature for other leaves because of a poor presence of bioactive substrates, and low C/N ratio. This methane yield corresponded to 7% of calorific power of wood. By contrast, the methane yield from MI leaves was almost nil suggesting some metabolism inhibition because of their rich composition in carbon and bioactive substrates. Whereas classical acidogenesis and acetogenesis were recorded. Therefore, methane production from the sole MI leaves seems unfavorable by comparison to MU leaves at the ambient temperature in tropical regions. Their solid and liquid residues obtained after anaerobic digestion would be efficient fertilizers. However, the methane productivity of both leaves could be improved by anaerobic co-digestion. [less ▲]

Comparison of bands belonging to the violet and red systems of CN showed that in emission the (1, 0) band λ 7873 (red system) is stronger than the (0, 0) band λ 3883 (violet system) at temperatures of the ... [more ▼]

Comparison of bands belonging to the violet and red systems of CN showed that in emission the (1, 0) band λ 7873 (red system) is stronger than the (0, 0) band λ 3883 (violet system) at temperatures of the electric furnace below 2300° C. Approximate equality of the main structure of the two bands is attained at 2300° C; λ 3883 becomes somewhat stronger than λ 7873 at 2600° C. At the high temperature, approximately 7300° C, of the carbon arc in air, the λ 3883 band is about two hundred times stronger than the λ 7873 band. Self-reversal appears easily in the violet band, but not in the red. The two systems react differently to a change in pressure, the red system increasing in intensity more rapidly than the violet when the pressure increases. In absorption, the (0, 0) and (1, 0) bands of the red system are much weaker than the violet bands at any temperature of the furnace. A list of the stronger absorption lines of the λ 7873 band is given. The relative intensities of the two systems in emission in the electric furnace at different temperatures and in the arc are explained by the Boltzmann populations of the upper levels in thermodynamic equilibrium. These populations differ strongly because the upper electronic level, A2Π, of the red system is much lower (e.p., 1.35 v.) than the upper level, B2∑, of the violet system (3.2 v.). From the equal intensity of the strongest lines of the two systems in emission at T = 2300° C, an approximate value of 1400 is found for the ratio of the emission transition probabilities of the strongest violet lines to those of the strongest red lines. The corresponding estimated value of the ratio of the absorption transition probabilities is 87.5, explaining the weakness of the red system in absorption in the laboratory. These considerations show that the red bands of CN should not be expected in fluorescence in comets and that previous identifications must be revised accordingly. No line of the red system of CN will be found in interstellar absorption. The intensity of the red bands in absorption in certain carbon stars in which the violet bands are weak indicates that the atmospheres of these stars have much less continuous absorption in the red than in the violet. [less ▲]

Comparison of bands belonging to the violet and red systems of CN showed that in emission the (1, 0) band λ 7873 (red system) is stronger than the (0, 0) band λ 3883 (violet system) at temperatures of the ... [more ▼]

Comparison of bands belonging to the violet and red systems of CN showed that in emission the (1, 0) band λ 7873 (red system) is stronger than the (0, 0) band λ 3883 (violet system) at temperatures of the electric furnace below 2300° C. Approximate equality of the main structure of the two bands is attained at 2300° C; λ 3883 becomes somewhat stronger than λ 7873 at 2600° C. At the high temperature, approximately 7300° C, of the carbon arc in air, the λ 3883 band is about two hundred times stronger than the λ 7873 band. Self-reversal appears easily in the violet band, but not in the red. The two systems react differently to a change in pressure, the red system increasing in intensity more rapidly than the violet when the pressure increases. In absorption, the (0, 0) and (1, 0) bands of the red system are much weaker than the violet bands at any temperature of the furnace. A list of the stronger absorption lines of the λ 7873 band is given. The relative intensities of the two systems in emission in the electric furnace at different temperatures and in the arc are explained by the Boltzmann populations of the upper levels in thermodynamic equilibrium. These populations differ strongly because the upper electronic level, A2Π, of the red system is much lower (e.p., 1.35 v.) than the upper level, B2∑, of the violet system (3.2 v.). From the equal intensity of the strongest lines of the two systems in emission at T = 2300° C, an approximate value of 1400 is found for the ratio of the emission transition probabilities of the strongest violet lines to those of the strongest red lines. The corresponding estimated value of the ratio of the absorption transition probabilities is 87.5, explaining the weakness of the red system in absorption in the laboratory. These considerations show that the red bands of CN should not be expected in fluorescence in comets and that previous identifications must be revised accordingly. No line of the red system of CN will be found in interstellar absorption. The intensity of the red bands in absorption in certain carbon stars in which the violet bands are weak indicates that the atmospheres of these stars have much less continuous absorption in the red than in the violet. [less ▲]

In order to compare the reproductive capacity of XY male versus XX male (neomales) Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), we determined the sperm quality (sperm concentration and motility) and reproductive characteristics such as gonadosomatic index (GSI), fertilization rate and sex steroid levels (testosterone, T; 17 beta-estradiol, E2 and 11-ketotestosterone, 11KT) during the reproductive season. Median GSI was not significantly different between XY males (7.9%) and XX males (7.5%). Fertilization rates ranged between 30.0 and 98.0%. Sperm concentration ranged between 27.9 x 10(9) and 42.0 x 10(9) spermatozoa ml(-1). Median level of T, 11KT and E2 levels increased in the middle of the reproductive season (2136.0, 2409.0 and 3252.0 pg ml(-1), respectively) and decreased at the end (1657.0, 2006.6 and 431.0 pg ml(-1) respectively). Sperm motility was assessed by CASA and expressed by the curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), linearity (LIN), percentage of motile sperm (% MOT) and motile concentration (MOC). Overall, there were not any significant differences between XY and XX males. In conclusion, no differences of reproductive capacities were observed between XY males and XX males suggesting that the last can be crossed with females to improve the productivity of Eurasian perch by producing all-female stock. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Concerning net zero energy buildings, providing early design support for architects has never been more important. In this context, building performance simulation tools could be a strong supportive ... [more ▼]

Concerning net zero energy buildings, providing early design support for architects has never been more important. In this context, building performance simulation tools could be a strong supportive technique, when integrated early in the architectural design process. However, despite the available range of tools, most of them do not meet the architects’ requirements. To identify this gap, this study compared the ‘architect-friendliness’ of six state-of-the-art simulation tools, to highlight the architects’ requirements for these tools and to develop guidelines for researchers and tool developers. The examined tools included ECOTECT, IES/VE – Sketch-Up, Energy10, eQuest, HEED, and Design Builder. The analysis was based on an extensive list of criteria defining the user-friendliness of tools from an architect’s point of view. The results show that no single tool is entirely adequate to assist the architect’s decision-making process. One of the major limitations is the poor communication and visualization of the output results. [less ▲]

in International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development (2012), 2(3), 237-244

Concerning net zero energy buildings, providing early design support for architects has never been more important. In this context, building performance simulation tools could be a strong supportive ... [more ▼]

Concerning net zero energy buildings, providing early design support for architects has never been more important. In this context, building performance simulation tools could be a strong supportive technique, when integrated early in the architectural design process. However, despite the available range of tools, most of them do not meet the architects' requirements. To identify this gap, this study compared the ‘architect-friendliness’ of six state-of-the-art simulation tools, to highlight the architects' requirements for these tools and to develop guidelines for researchers and tool developers. The examined tools included ECOTECT, IES/VE – Sketch-Up, Energy10, eQuest, HEED, and Design Builder. The analysis was based on an extensive list of criteria defining the user-friendliness of tools from an architect's point of view. The results show that no single tool is entirely adequate to assist the architect's decision-making process. One of the major limitations is the poor communication and visualization of the output results. [less ▲]

in International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Research (1992), 12(1), 1-9

Fifty patients, twenty-five suffering from severe knee osteoarthritis and twenty-five from acute hip osteoarthritis, received pentazocine or a new preparation of tilidine-naloxone for a period of 2 weeks ... [more ▼]

Fifty patients, twenty-five suffering from severe knee osteoarthritis and twenty-five from acute hip osteoarthritis, received pentazocine or a new preparation of tilidine-naloxone for a period of 2 weeks, in a double-blind study. The two drugs were found to have the same efficacy and tolerance in both diseases with a minor but not statistically significant superiority for tilidine-naloxone. Similar quantities of drugs were taken over the study period, while patients were allowed to take as many as 8 capsules per day to relieve pain. There were quite equivalent side-effects and no marked changes in laboratory tests. [less ▲]

While neuroleptic therapy with classical compounds has frequently been associated with extrapyramidal side effects, clozapine has revealed an interesting antipsychotic profile without producing any ... [more ▼]

While neuroleptic therapy with classical compounds has frequently been associated with extrapyramidal side effects, clozapine has revealed an interesting antipsychotic profile without producing any clearcut motor side effects. However, some adverse reactions remained that stimulated the search for improved antipsychotic agents. The aim of this study was to characterize the behavioural and neurochemical profiles of typical neuroleptics (chlorpromazine, haloperidol), clozapine, and four newly synthesized clozapine-analogues. Affinity for dopaminergic (D1,D2), serotonergic (5-HT(2)) and cholinergic (muscarinic) receptors were measured and the ratios of these different binding affinities were determined and correlated with the behavioural effects of the drugs in a complex temporal regulation task in the dog. The four clozapine-analogues showed most of the behavioural characteristics previously described for neuroleptics and their neurochemical profile, particularly their 5-HT(2)/D2 pKi ratio, was compatible with an atypical antipsychotic effect. Among these drugs, JL5 and JL13 showed a high degree of similarity with clozapine. Like clozapine, they did not induce catalepsy and stereotypy/hyperkinesia. Moreover, other motor effects were also reduced (ataxia, akinesia, dystony). and tremor and sialorrhea were completely absent with these two molecules. [less ▲]

in Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research (2014), 6(8), 281-287

Chemical composition of the essential oils of Cistus libanotis from eastern Morocco (Tafoughalt and Jerrada) extracted from different season was analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. The hydro-distilled essential ... [more ▼]

Chemical composition of the essential oils of Cistus libanotis from eastern Morocco (Tafoughalt and Jerrada) extracted from different season was analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. The hydro-distilled essential oil content ranged from 0, 27 % to 0, 46%, the maximum amounts were observed in summer while minimum in winter for Tafoughalt, whereas the oil obtained from Jerrada had the highest yield (0, 61 %). The essential oils consisted of terpineol-4 as the most abundant component (18, 70 % - 24, 91 %), followed by γ-terpinene (9, 82 % - 12, 25 %), camphene (5, 86 % - 13, 58 %), sabinene (7, 86 % - 9, 89 %) and α-thujene (6, 92 % - 10, 12 %). Samples collected in all seasons were found to be richer in monoterpenes hydrocarbons (52, 68 % - 57, 59 %). None sesquiterpene hydrocarbons found in the oils from summer and autumn. Drying period of leaves at normal air laboratory and distillation time also affect the oil content and composition. There was variation in terpineol-4 content from 22, 23 % (4th day of drying) to 19, 27 % (29th day of drying), and from 35, 60 % (1 hour of distillation) to 24, 17 % (4 hours of distillation). It can be concluded that the harvesting season, period of drying and the time of distillation had an effect on the yield of essential oil and chemical composition of various compounds. [less ▲]